Despite retiring after an injury-riddled career, former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher James Paxton is ready to take the mound for the last time in the World Baseball Classic.
Paxton, 37, missed a lot of time toward the end of his MLB career due to injuries, appearing in five games or fewer each season between 2020 and 2022. The left-handed veteran bounced from team to team late in his career, spending time with the Seattle Mariners, Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox, and earned a ring from the Dodgers’ 2024 World Series win.
Paxton’s MLB career may be over, but he will lace back up his cleats one more time to represent Team Canada in the WBC.
“Former Mariners pitcher James Paxton’s 11-year MLB career was pocked with injuries,” Mike Vorel of The Seattle Times wrote on Saturday. “Despite the detours, Paxton went 73-41 with a 3.77 ERA and 1,005 strikeouts in 177 starts, before announcing his retirement in 2024. ‘The Big Maple’ left a mark. And after more than a year away from the mound, Paxton will cap his career by representing Canada in this month’s World Baseball Classic.
“When he was invited to join Team Canada this winter, Paxton ‘hadn’t picked up a baseball for over a year.’ Ready or not, Paxton’s finale is about to begin. When it comes to Team Canada, Paxton is here to help. That offer does not extend beyond the WBC.”
Team Canada is opening the WBC against Colombia in pool play, and though Paxton is not starting that game or the next against Panama, expect to see him take the mound one last time during this tournament to close out his pitching career.
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